EP3236276B1 - Magnetfeldsensor mit mehrachsiger erfassungsfähigkeit - Google Patents

Magnetfeldsensor mit mehrachsiger erfassungsfähigkeit Download PDF

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EP3236276B1
EP3236276B1 EP17159194.4A EP17159194A EP3236276B1 EP 3236276 B1 EP3236276 B1 EP 3236276B1 EP 17159194 A EP17159194 A EP 17159194A EP 3236276 B1 EP3236276 B1 EP 3236276B1
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Prior art keywords
sense
magnetic field
magnetization
plane
layer
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French (fr)
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EP3236276A1 (de
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Paige M. Holm
Lianjun Liu
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NXP USA Inc
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NXP USA Inc
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
    • G01R33/025—Compensating stray fields
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/0011—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables comprising means, e.g. flux concentrators, flux guides, for guiding or concentrating the magnetic flux, e.g. to the magnetic sensor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
    • G01R33/0206—Three-component magnetometers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
    • G01R33/06—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux using galvano-magnetic devices
    • G01R33/09—Magnetoresistive devices
    • G01R33/093—Magnetoresistive devices using multilayer structures, e.g. giant magnetoresistance sensors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
    • G01R33/02—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
    • G01R33/06—Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux using galvano-magnetic devices
    • G01R33/09—Magnetoresistive devices
    • G01R33/098—Magnetoresistive devices comprising tunnel junctions, e.g. tunnel magnetoresistance sensors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to magnetoelectronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a magnetic field sensor with multiple axis sensing and permanent magnet biasing.
  • Magnetic field sensors also known as magnetometers, are widely used in a number of applications including in, for example, compass, security, and military applications, geophysics and space research, biomagnetism and medical applications, and non-destructive testing.
  • Magnetic field sensors are typically based on semiconductor materials (e.g., Hall sensors, magnetoresistors, and so forth) and ferromagnetic materials (e.g., ferromagnetic magnetoresistors and flux guides).
  • Other magnetic field sensors utilize optical, resonant, and superconducting properties.
  • EP 2 818 884 A1 describes a magnetoresistive sensor for measuring a magnetic field.
  • a calculation of the sensitivity to external magnetic fields is disclosed, and it is explained to be related to the shape anisotropy of the magnetoresistive sensing elements.
  • sensitivity may be made highest when the shape of the magnetoresistive element is long parallel to the sensing axis, and a magnetic bias field strong enough to saturate the magnetoresistive element's magnetization, H cross , is applied perpendicular to the sensing axis.
  • a monolithic permanent magnet is described to generate the H cross and it may be applied at an angle in order to counteract non-ideal fields along the sense axis direction.
  • the high sensitivity magnetoresistive element can be used in many electrical form-factors.
  • EP 2 696 211 A1 describes a design and manufacturing method for a single-chip magnetic sensor bridge.
  • the sensor bridge comprises four magnetoresistive elements.
  • the magnetization of the pinned layer of each of the four magnetoresistive elements is set in the same direction, but the magnetization directions of the free layers of the magnetoresistive elements on adjacent arms of the bridge are set at different angles with respect to the pinned layer magnetization direction.
  • the absolute values of the angles of the magnetization directions of the free layers of all four magnetoresistive elements are the same with respect with their pinning layers.
  • the disclosed magnetic biasing scheme enables the integration of a push-pull Wheatstone bridge magnetic field sensor on a single chip with better performance, lower cost, and easier manufacturability than conventional magnetoresistive sensor designs.
  • US 2014 / 292 318 A1 describes a magnetic biosensor, which includes a magnetic stack comprising a free layer, a fixed layer, and a nonmagnetic layer between the free layer and the fixed layer. At least one of the free layer or the fixed layer may have a magnetic moment oriented out of a major plane of the free layer or the fixed layer, respectively, in an absence of an external magnetic field.
  • the magnetic biosensor also may include a sample container disposed over the magnetic stack, a plurality of capture antibodies attached to a bottom surface of the sample container above the magnetic stack, and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the major plane of the free layer or fixed layer.
  • US 2013 / 328 556 A1 describes magnetoresistive sensors suitable for both angle and field strength sensing.
  • a sensor comprises two different magnetoresistive (xMR) sensor components for sensing two different aspects or characteristics of a magnetic field.
  • the first xMR sensor component is configured for magnetic field angle or rotation sensing, while the second xMR sensor component is configured for magnetic field strength sensing in two dimensions.
  • the second xMR sensor therefore can determine, in embodiment, whether the field sensed with respect to angle or rotation by the first xMR sensor component is of sufficient strength or meets a minimum magnitude threshold. If the minimum threshold is not met, an alarm or alert can be provided.
  • WO2015158243 for instance describes a single-chip and three-axis linear magnetic sensor and a manufacturing method therefor.
  • the sensor comprises an X-axis sensor, a Y-axis sensor, and a Z-axis sensor.
  • the X-axis sensor comprises a reference bridge and at least two X-magnetic flux controllers
  • the Y-axis sensor comprises a push-pull bridge and at least two Y-magnetic flux controllers
  • the Z-axis sensor comprises a push-pull bridge and at least two Z-magnetic flux controllers.
  • the arms of the reference bridge and the push-pull bridges are each formed by one or more magneto-resistive sensing components that are electrically connected, and the direction of a sensitive axis of each magneto-resistive sensing component and the magnetization direction of a pinning layer are both in the X-axis direction.
  • the manufacturing method comprises: depositing a magneto-resistive thin film on a wafer, and performing processes such as magnetic annealing, photolithography, etching, and film coating to obtain a final sensor.
  • the single-chip and three-axis linear magnetic sensor has the advantages of being low in cost, easy to manufacture, good in linearity, high in sensitivity and the like.
  • the invention overcomes drawbacks in the prior art discussed above and achieves the objectives mentioned above by the combination of technical features as defined in the independent claim.
  • embodiments disclosed herein entail a magnetic field sensor capable of sensing magnetic fields along one or more mutually exclusive sense axes, typically referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. More particularly, a unique sensor bridge design of magnetoresistive sense elements is implemented for each sense axis. Each sensor bridge incorporates an in-plane orientation of reference magnetization of the pinned layer. For each sensor bridge, one or more permanent magnet layers are strategically patterned (shape and position) to generate a unique external bias field vector of the sense magnetization of the sense layer to produce a balanced bridge configuration of magnetoresistive sense elements for the sensor bridge.
  • one sensor bridge design is utilized for sensing an external magnetic field that is perpendicular to the plane of the magnetic field sensor package without the use of flux concentrators.
  • the strategically patterned permanent magnet layer(s) for this sensor bridge additionally allows it to respond to the out-of-plane external magnetic field without inter-axis coupling of sensor response.
  • FIG. 1 shows a simplified side view of an exemplary magnetoresistive sense element 20 with an accompanying plot 22 of variable resistance 26 that may occur in the presence of an external magnetic field, represented by arrows 28, 30.
  • magnetoresistive sense element 20 may be a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) sensor.
  • An MTJ structure includes a metal-insulator-metal layer sandwich in which the metal layers are ferromagnetic and the insulator layer is very thin. Electrically, this forms a tunnel diode in which electrons can tunnel from one ferromagnet into the other.
  • Such a tunnel diode exhibits transport characteristics that depend, not only on the voltage bias, but also on the magnetic states of the top and bottom electrodes.
  • Magnetoresistive sense element 20 is an exemplary magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure that includes ferromagnetic layers 32, 34 separated by an insulator layer 36.
  • An electrode 38 may be in electrical communication with ferromagnetic layer 32 and another electrode 40 may be in electrical communication with ferromagnetic layer 34.
  • This structure may be formed within a dielectric material, not shown herein for simplicity.
  • a Z-axis 42 is oriented up-and-down on the page
  • an X-axis 44 is oriented right-and-left on the page
  • a Y-axis 46 is represented as a dot that depicts an axis going either into or out of the page on which FIG. 1 is situated.
  • the X-Y plane in this side view illustration is oriented right-and-left and into or out of the page.
  • external magnetic field 28 represents a magnetic field that is parallel to the X-Y plane of magnetoresistive sense element 20. More particularly, external magnetic field 28 is generally parallel to X-axis 44.
  • external magnetic field 30 represents a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the X-Y plane of magnetoresistive sense element 20. That is, external magnetic field is generally parallel to Z-axis 42.
  • Ferromagnetic layer 32 may be fixed, or "pinned,” to have a reference magnetization, as represented by a solid arrow 48. Therefore, ferromagnetic layer 32 is referred to hereinafter as pinned layer 32.
  • Ferromagnetic layer 34 is "free” to respond to, i.e., sense, the applied magnetic field (e.g., external magnetic field 38, 40) to provide a sense magnetization, represented by a dotted arrow 50.
  • sense magnetization 50 modulates the measured resistance 26. Accordingly, ferromagnetic layer 34 is referred to hereinafter as sense layer 34.
  • resistance 26 depends upon the magnetic states of electrodes 38, 40. Since electrodes 38, 40 are electrically coupled with pinned and sense layers 32, 34, respectively, the states of electrodes 38, 40 depend upon the alignment of the magnetic moments of the pinned and sense layers 32, 34.
  • resistance 26 of the junction is lowest. However, resistance 26 of the junction is highest when the magnetic moments are anti-parallel (i.e., the vectors lie along parallel lines but point in the opposite direction).
  • resistance 26 of the junction varies as the cosine of the angle between magnetic moments.
  • One or more MTJ resistors such as magnetoresistive sense element 20, may be utilized to form either of an X-axis or a Y-axis magnetic field sensor for sensing an external magnetic field that is parallel to the X-Y plane of magnetoresistive sense element 20.
  • one or more flux guides 52 are also formed within the dielectric material (not shown) in which magnetoresistive sense element 20 is formed.
  • flux guides 52 can be used to guide Z-axis magnetic field 30 into the X-Y plane.
  • Flux guides 52 are generally thin, narrow sheets of magnetic material typically used to guide flux, i.e., Z-axis magnetic field 30, to a preferred location.
  • Z-axis magnetic field 30 is suitably guided so that it can be sensed using one or more in-plane magnetoresistive sense elements 20.
  • flux guides 52 For optimal Z axis response, flux guides 52 have a preferred magnetization orientation. That is, the magnetic polarization for each of flux guides 52 will be directed in a uniform, i.e., generally single, direction.
  • flux guides 52 are susceptible to corruption by exposure to externally applied magnetic fields (e.g., disturbing fields of approximately one hundred Gauss or more). This corruption, typically referred to as perming, can alter the magnetic state of flux guides 52 leading to unstable device characteristics including offset, axis alignment, and noise. Large offset shifts, axis rotations, and excess noise can be very difficult or even impossible to compensate/calibrate out of the sensor response and can render Z-axis magnetic field sensor 20 unusable.
  • FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of a magnetic field sensor package 54.
  • Magnetic field sensor package 54 may be implemented in any device or system in which magnetic field sensing is required, for example, in compass, security, and military applications, in geophysics and space research applications, in biomagnetism and medical applications, and/or in non-destructive testing.
  • sensor package 54 may be adapted to sense a magnetic field along three axes.
  • sensor package 54 includes an X-axis magnetic field sensor 56, a Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58, and a Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60.
  • Magnetic field sensors 56, 58, 60 may be coupled to, or otherwise in communication with, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 62 to form sensor package 54.
  • ASIC 62 performs some or all functions including, but not limited to, signal conditioning and data management, reset and stabilization control, bridge/output multiplexing, self-test, electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, and so forth.
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic view of a magnetoresistive sense element 64 having initial magnetic biasing. More particularly, FIG. 3 shows a simplified side view representation 66 and a simplified top view representation 68 of magnetoresistive sense element 64.
  • magnetoresistive sense element 64 is an MTJ structure 70 having a pinned layer 72 and a sense layer 74 separated by an insulator layer 76. Pinned layer 72 of MTJ structure 70 may be fixed, or "pinned,” to have a reference magnetization 78, as represented by a rightwardly directed solid arrow in each of side and top view representations 66, 68.
  • sense layer 76 of MTJ structure has initial magnetic biasing, referred to herein as a first sense magnetization 80, in an initial direction in the absence of an external magnetic field.
  • first sense magnetization 80 in the absence of an external magnetic field, is within an X-Y plane 81 of magnetoresistive sense element 64 that is defined by X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46.
  • the initial direction of first sense magnetization 80 is an in-plane orientation relative to X-Y plane 81, as denoted in side view representation 66 with the horizontally oriented dotted arrow.
  • the initial direction of first sense magnetization 80 may be skewed away from each of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 by an equivalent angular magnitude, for example, forty five degrees, as denoted in top view representation 68 by the skewed dotted arrow.
  • This first sense magnetization 80 maybe referred to herein as a self-biased configuration of the sense layer and may be produced utilizing various fabrication techniques discussed in connection with FIG. 12 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a simplified plan view demonstrating the orientation of a magnetic field between segments of a permanent magnet.
  • FIG. 4 shows an example view 82 of a permanent magnet 84 having two segments 86, 88 demonstrating an inaccurate portrayal of a direction of a magnetic field 90 in a gap 92 between segments 86, 88.
  • FIG. 4 further shows another example view 94 of permanent magnet 84 demonstrating an accurate portrayal of the direction of magnetic field 90 in gap 92 between segments 86, 88.
  • a linear gap e.g., gap 92
  • a layer of permanent magnet material e.g., permanent magnet 84
  • magnetic field 90 within gap 92 does not follow the direction of magnetic field 90 within segment 86, 88 of permanent magnet 84. This is shown in example view 82 by an "X" drawn through the illustration. Instead, magnetic field 90 within gap 92 is normal to the direction of gap, as shown in example view 94.
  • magnetic field sensor package 54 employs a triad of unique sensor bridge designs for X-axis 44, Y-axis 46, and Z-axis 42 magnetic field sensing using magnetoresistive sense elements, such as MTJ structures.
  • Each sensor bridge incorporates an in-plane orientation of reference magnetization of the pinned layer.
  • one or more permanent magnet layers are strategically patterned (shape and position) to magnetically bias the initial, or first sense magnetization 80 ( FIG. 3 ) of the sense layer of particular ones of the magnetoresistive sense elements in order to generate a unique external bias field vector of the sense magnetization of the sense layer.
  • FIG. 5 shows a simplified schematic view of X-axis magnetic field sensor 56 of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ).
  • X-axis magnetic field sensor 56 is sensitive to X-axis external magnetic field 28 in a sensing direction (referred to herein as X sensing direction 96) parallel to X-axis 44 and therefore parallel to an X-Y plane 81 (see FIG. 6 ) of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ).
  • X-axis magnetic field sensor 56 produces an output signal 100, labeled V X-OUT , indicative of the magnitude of X-axis external magnetic field 28.
  • X-axis magnetic field sensor 56 includes a sensor bridge, and more particularly, a Wheatstone bridge, referred to herein as an X-axis Wheatstone bridge 102.
  • X-axis magnetic field sensor 56 includes first, second, third, and fourth sensor legs 104, 106, 108, 110, respectively.
  • First sensor leg 104 includes one or more first magnetoresistive sense elements 112
  • second sensor leg 106 includes one or more second magnetoresistive sense elements 114
  • third sensor leg 108 includes one or more third magnetoresistive sense elements 116
  • fourth sensor leg 110 includes one or more fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 118.
  • magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118 may be MTJ structures.
  • magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118 Only one each of magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118 is shown for simplicity of illustration. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that X-axis magnetic field sensor 56 can include any number of magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118.
  • First and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 118 are coupled in series to form a first half of X-axis Wheatstone bridge 102 and second and third magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 116 are coupled in series to form a second half of X-axis Wheatstone bridge 102.
  • the first half of X-axis Wheatstone bridge 102 is coupled in parallel with the second half of X-axis Wheatstone bridge 102 such that a junction 120 of first and second magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114 forms a first input terminal 122 and a junction 124 of third and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 116, 118 forms a second input terminal 126.
  • V X-OUT 100 is between midpoints of the series combination of first and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 118 and second and third magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 116.
  • resistances are provided in association with magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118.
  • a resistance 128, R1x represents the signal output of first magnetoresistive sense element 112.
  • a resistance 130, R2x represents the signal output of second magnetoresistive sense element 114.
  • a resistance 132, R3x represents the signal output of third magnetoresistive sense element 116.
  • a resistance 134, R4x represents the signal output of fourth magnetoresistive sense element 118.
  • First magnetoresistive sense element 112 includes a first pinned layer 136 and a first sense layer 138 separated by an insulator layer 140.
  • second magnetoresistive sense element 114 includes a second pinned layer 142 and a second sense layer 144 separated by an insulator layer 146.
  • Third magnetoresistive sense element 116 includes a third pinned layer 148 and a third sense layer 150 separated by an insulator layer 152.
  • Fourth magnetoresistive sense element 118 includes a fourth pinned layer 154 and a fourth sense layer 156 separated by an insulator layer 158.
  • X-axis magnetic sensor 56 includes a permanent magnet layer 160 positioned proximate each of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 magnetically biases the initial sense magnetization, i.e., first sense magnetization 80 ( FIG. 3 ), of second and fourth sense layers 144, 156 of magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118.
  • first and third sense layers 138, 148 of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 116 are not magnetic biased by permanent magnet layer 160 so that they retain the initial sense magnetization, i.e., first sense magnetization 80.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 has a single magnetic orientation and a single thickness.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 is located out-of-plane from magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 is located out-of-plane above magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118.
  • a single layer, vertical permanent magnet biasing configuration is described herein for illustrative purposes.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 may be generally in-plane with magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118.
  • alternative embodiments may include two or more permanent magnet layers in an out-of-plane or in-plane configuration.
  • FIG. 6 shows a table 162 demonstrating magnetization vectors of X-axis magnetic field sensor 56. More particularly, table 162 provides a top view representation 164 of magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118 and a side view representation 166 of magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118. Top view representation 164 includes a symbol representing top views of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 116 and another symbol representing top views of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118 with segments 172, 174 of permanent magnet layer 160.
  • Side view representation 166 provides a symbol representing side views of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 116 and another symbol representing side views of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118.
  • a dielectric material 176 surrounds magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118.
  • Dielectric material 176 is included with the side views representing first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 116 as well as second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118 to illustrate an out-of-plane location of permanent magnet layer 160 above magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118.
  • Each of first and third pinned layers 136, 148 has a first reference magnetization 178 and each of second and fourth pinned layers 142, 154 has a second reference magnetization 180, each of which is oriented substantially parallel to X-Y plane 81.
  • each of first and second reference magnetizations 178, 180 may be oriented parallel to Y-axis 46, and therefore perpendicular to X sensing direction 96.
  • second reference magnetization 180 of second and fourth pinned layers 142, 154 is oriented in the same direction as first reference magnetization 178 of first and third pinned layers 136, 148.
  • first and second reference magnetizations 178, 180 are represented by circles with an inscribed X, denoting a direction going into the page. Additionally, in top view representation of FIG. 6 , first and second reference magnetizations 178, 180 are represented by solid arrows directed upwardly on the page aligned with Y-axis 46.
  • Each of sense layers 138, 144, 150, 156 of magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 114, 116, 118 has an initial (i.e., self-biased) magnetic orientation, i.e., first sense magnetization 80.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 magnetically biases second and fourth sense layers 144, 156 to produce a second sense magnetization 184.
  • First sense magnetization 80 is oriented in a first direction, referred to herein as a first in-plane orientation, relative to X-Y plane 81.
  • second sense magnetization 184 is oriented in a second direction, referred to herein as a second in-plane orientation relative to X-Y plane 81.
  • first and second in-plane orientations within X-Y plane 81 are skewed away from each of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46. However, the first and second in-plane orientations differ from one another.
  • first sense magnetization 80 is represented by a rightwardly directed dotted arrow
  • second sense magnetization 184 is represented by a leftwardly directed dotted arrow.
  • first sense magnetization 80 is represented by a rightwardly and upwardly directed arrow that is skewed away from both X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 and second sense magnetization 184 is represented by a leftwardly and upwardly directed arrow that is skewed away from both X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46.
  • first and second sense magnetizations 80, 184 are orientable in response to X magnetic field 28 in X sensing direction 96.
  • the direction or orientation of the magnetization of segments 172, 174 of permanent magnet layer 160 may be skewed away from both of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 within X-Y plane 81 by an equivalent angular magnitude, e.g., forty-five degrees.
  • a direction or orientation of the magnetization of segments 172, 174 of permanent magnet layer 160 is represented by a dashed line arrow 186 in top view representation 164.
  • a single magnetization direction 186 of permanent magnet layer 160, as well as the location and geometry of the various segments of permanent magnet layer 160, is useful in achieving the three-axis sensing capability of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ), as will be discussed in connection with FIG. 11
  • Miller indices are a notation system typically used to specify directions and planes. For example, they can be used to specify a direction of a vector, r, from the origin to a point.
  • the notation [hkl] represents the direction, where the Miller indices h, k, and 1 are replaced by three integers, and the notation ⁇ hkl> represents a family of directions.
  • a negative direction is denoted with a bar on top of one or more of the three integers. In a cubic system, each of the directions in a family of directions has the same indices regardless of order or sign.
  • magnetization direction 186 of segments 172, 174 of permanent magnet layer 160 is oriented in a single direction, which may be characterized by Miller indices 188 of [110]. Accordingly, magnetization direction 186 is characterized by a single magnetization orientation within X-Y plane that is skewed in a negative direction away from both X- and Y-axes 44, 46 by the same angular magnitude.
  • first reference magnetization 178 for first and third pinned layers 136, 148 of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 116 can be characterized by Miller indices of [010].
  • second reference magnetization 180 for second and fourth pinned layers 142, 154 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118 can be characterized by the same Miller indices of [010].
  • first and second reference magnetizations 178, 180 are oriented parallel to Y-axis 46, and in the same direction.
  • first and third sense layers 138, 150 retain first sense magnetization 80.
  • a first in-plane orientation 182 of first sense magnetization 80 for first and third sense layers 138, 150 of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 116 can be characterized by Miller indices 188 of [110].
  • segments 172, 174 of permanent magnet layer 160 positioned proximate second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118 magnetically bias first magnetization 80 of second and fourth sense layers 144, 156 to produce second sense magnetization 184 in different direction.
  • a second in-plane orientation 183 of second sense magnetization 184 for second and fourth sense layers 144, 156 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118 can be characterized by Miller indices 188 of [ 1 10].
  • FIG. 7 shows a simplified schematic view of Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58 of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58 is sensitive to a Y-axis external magnetic field 192 in a sensing direction (referred to herein as Y sensing direction 194) parallel to Y-axis 46 and therefore parallel to an X-Y plane 81 (see FIG. 8 ) of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ). Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58 produces an output signal 196, labeled V Y-OUT , indicative of the magnitude of Y-axis external magnetic field 192.
  • V Y-OUT an output signal 196
  • Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58 includes a sensor bridge, and more particularly, a Wheatstone bridge, referred to herein as a Y-axis Wheatstone bridge 198.
  • Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58 includes first, second, third, and fourth sensor legs 200, 202, 204, 206, respectively.
  • First sensor leg 200 includes one or more first magnetoresistive sense elements 208
  • second sensor leg 202 includes one or more second magnetoresistive sense elements 210
  • third sensor leg 204 includes one or more third magnetoresistive sense elements 212
  • fourth sensor leg 206 includes one or more fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 214. Only one each of magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 210, 212, 214 is shown for simplicity of illustration.
  • Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58 can include any number of magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 210, 212, 214.
  • First and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 214 are coupled in series to form a first half of Y-axis Wheatstone bridge 198 and second and third magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 212 are coupled in series to form a second half of Y-axis Wheatstone bridge 198.
  • the first half of Y-axis Wheatstone bridge 198 is coupled in parallel with the second half of Y-axis Wheatstone bridge 198 such that a junction 216 of first and second magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 210 forms a first input terminal 218 and a junction 220 of third and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 212, 214 forms a second input terminal 222.
  • V Y-OUT 196 is between midpoints of the series combination of first and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 214 and second and third magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 212.
  • resistances are provided in association with magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 210, 212, 214.
  • a resistance 224, R1 Y represents the signal output of first magnetoresistive sense element 208.
  • a resistance 226, R2 Y represents the signal output of second magnetoresistive sense element 210.
  • a resistance 228, R3 Y represents the signal output of third magnetoresistive sense element 212.
  • a resistance 230, R4 Y represents the signal output of fourth magnetoresistive sense element 214.
  • First magnetoresistive sense element 208 includes a first pinned layer 232 and a first sense layer 234 separated by an insulator layer 236.
  • second magnetoresistive sense element 210 includes a second pinned layer 238 and a second sense layer 240 separated by an insulator layer 242.
  • Third magnetoresistive sense element 212 includes a third pinned layer 244 and a third sense layer 246 separated by an insulator layer 248.
  • Fourth magnetoresistive sense element 214 includes a fourth pinned layer 250 and a fourth sense layer 252 separated by an insulator layer 254.
  • Y-axis magnetic sensor 58 includes permanent magnet layer 160 positioned proximate each of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214.
  • Permanent magnet layer 160 magnetically biases first sense magnetization 80 ( FIG. 3 ) of second and fourth sense layers 240, 252 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214 to produce a second reference magnetization 272.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 is located out-of-plane above magnetoresistive sense elements 210,214.
  • FIG. 8 shows a table 256 demonstrating magnetization vectors of Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58. More particularly, table 256 provides a top view representation 258 of magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 210, 212, 214 and a side view representation 260 of magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 210, 212, 214.
  • Top view representation 258 includes a symbol representing top views of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 212 and another symbol representing top views of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214 with segments 266, 268 of permanent magnet layer 160.
  • Side view representation 260 provides a symbol representing side views of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 212 and another symbol representing side views of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214.
  • Dielectric material 176 surrounds magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 210, 212, 214.
  • Each of first and third pinned layers 232, 244 has a first reference magnetization 270 and each of second and fourth pinned layers 238, 250 has a second reference magnetization 272, each of which is oriented substantially parallel to X-Y plane 81.
  • each of first and second reference magnetizations 270, 272 may be oriented parallel to X-axis 44, and therefore perpendicular to Y sensing direction 194.
  • second reference magnetization 272 of second and fourth pinned layers 238, 250 is oriented in the same direction relative as first reference magnetization 270 of first and third pinned layers 232, 244.
  • first and second reference magnetizations 270, 272 are represented by circles with an inscribed X, denoting a direction going into the page. Additionally, in top view representation 258 of FIG. 8 , first and second reference magnetizations 270, 272 are represented by solid arrows directed rightwardly on the page aligned with X-axis 44.
  • Each of sense layers 234, 240, 246, 252 of magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 210, 212, 214 has an initial (i.e., self-biased) magnetic orientation, i.e., first sense magnetization 80.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 magnetically biases second and fourth sense layers 240, 252 to have a second sense magnetization 276.
  • first sense magnetization 80 is oriented in first in-plane orientation 182 relative to X-Y plane 81.
  • second sense magnetization 276 is oriented in another direction, referred to herein as a second in-plane orientation 274 relative to X-Y plane 81.
  • first sense magnetization 80 is represented by a rightwardly directed dotted arrow and second sense magnetization 276 is represented by a leftwardly directed dotted arrow.
  • first sense magnetization 80 is represented by a rightwardly and upwardly directed dotted arrow that is skewed away from both X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 and second sense magnetization 276 is represented by a rightwardly and downwardly directed dotted arrow that is skewed away from both of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46.
  • first and second sense magnetizations 80, 276 are orientable in response to Y magnetic field 192 in Y sensing direction 194.
  • the direction or orientation of the magnetization of segments 266, 268 of permanent magnet layer 160 are again skewed away from both of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 within X-Y plane 81 by an equivalent angular magnitude, e.g., forty-five degrees.
  • Magnetization direction 186 of segments 266, 268 of permanent magnet layer 160 is again represented by a dashed line arrow 186 in top view representation 258.
  • the single magnetization direction 186 of permanent magnet layer 160, as well as the location and geometry of the various segments of permanent magnet layer 160 achieves the three-axis sensing capability of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ), as will be discussed in connection with FIG. 11 .
  • magnetization direction 186 of segments 266, 268 of permanent magnet layer 160 may be characterized by Miller indices 188 of [110] denoting that magnetization direction 186 is skewed in a negative direction away from both X- and Y-axes 44, 46 within X-Y plane 81 by the same angular magnitude.
  • the orientation, or direction, of first reference magnetization 270 for first and third pinned layers 232, 244 of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 212 can be characterized by Miller indices 188 of [100].
  • first and second reference magnetizations 270, 272 are oriented parallel to X-axis 46, and in the same direction.
  • first and third sense layers 234, 246 of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 212 retain first sense magnetization 80.
  • first in-plane orientation 182 of first sense magnetization 80 for first and third sense layers 234, 236 of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 212 can be characterized by Miller indices 188 of [110].
  • segments 266, 268 of permanent magnet layer 160 positioned proximate second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214 magnetically bias first sense magnetization 80 of second and fourth sense layers 144, 156 to produce second sense magnetization 276 in a different direction.
  • a second in-plane orientation 274 of second sense magnetization 276 for second and fourth sense layers 240, 252 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214 can be characterized by Miller indices 188 of each of first and second sense magnetizations 182, 184 can be characterized by Miller indices 188 of [110].
  • FIG. 9 shows a simplified schematic view of Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 is sensitive to Z-axis external magnetic field 30 in a sensing direction (referred to herein as a Z sensing direction 278) parallel to Z-axis 42 and therefore perpendicular to X-Y plane 81 (see FIG. 10 ) of magnetic field sensor package 54. Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 produces an output signal 280, labeled V Z-OUT , indicative of the magnitude of Z-axis external magnetic field 30.
  • a sensing direction referred to herein as a Z sensing direction 278
  • Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 produces an output signal 280, labeled V Z-OUT , indicative of the magnitude of Z-axis external magnetic field 30.
  • Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 includes a sensor bridge, and more particularly, a Wheatstone bridge, referred to herein as a Z-axis Wheatstone bridge 282.
  • Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 includes first, second, third, and fourth sensor legs 284, 286, 288, 290, respectively.
  • First sensor leg 284 includes one or more first magnetoresistive sense elements 292
  • second sensor leg 286 includes one or more second magnetoresistive sense elements 294
  • third sensor leg 288 includes one or more third magnetoresistive sense elements 296,
  • fourth sensor leg 290 includes one or more fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 298. Only one each of magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298 is shown for simplicity of illustration.
  • Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 can include any number of magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298.
  • First and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 298 are coupled in series to form a first half of Z-axis Wheatstone bridge 282 and second and third magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 296 are coupled in series to form a second half of Z-axis Wheatstone bridge 282.
  • the first half of Z-axis Wheatstone bridge 282 is coupled in parallel with the second half of Z-axis Wheatstone bridge 282 such that a junction 300 of first and second magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294 forms a first input terminal 302 and a junction 304 of third and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 296, 298 forms a second input terminal 306.
  • V Z-OUT 280 is between midpoints of the series combination of first and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 298 and second and third magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 296.
  • resistances are provided in association with magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298.
  • a resistance 310, R1 Z represents the signal output of first magnetoresistive sense element 292.
  • a resistance 312, R2 Z represents the signal output of second magnetoresistive sense element 294.
  • a resistance 314, R3 Z represents the signal output of third magnetoresistive sense element 296.
  • a resistance 316, R4 Z represents the signal output of fourth magnetoresistive sense element 298.
  • First magnetoresistive sense element 292 includes a first pinned layer 318 and a first sense layer 320 separated by an insulator layer 322.
  • second magnetoresistive sense element 294 includes a second pinned layer 324 and a second sense layer 326 separated by an insulator layer 328.
  • Third magnetoresistive sense element 296 includes a third pinned layer 330 and a third sense layer 332 separated by an insulator layer 334.
  • Fourth magnetoresistive sense element 298 includes a fourth pinned layer 336 and a fourth sense layer 338 separated by an insulator layer 340.
  • Z-axis magnetic sensor 60 includes two permanent magnet layers, i.e., permanent magnet layer 160 and a permanent magnet layer 161, positioned proximate each of first, second, third, and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298.
  • X-axis and Y-axis magnetic sensors 56, 58 FIGs.
  • permanent magnet layer 160 is located out-of-plane above magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298.
  • permanent magnet layer 161 is located out-of-plane below magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298.
  • FIG. 10 shows a table 342 demonstrating magnetization vectors of Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60. More particularly, table 342 provides a top view representation 344 of magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298 and a side view representation 346 of magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298.
  • Top view representation 344 includes a symbol representing top views of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296 with segments 348 of permanent magnet layer 160 overlying (in this example illustration) first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296 and segments 349 of permanent magnet layer 161 underlying (in this example illustration) first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296.
  • top view representation 344 includes another symbol representing top views of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298 with segments 350 of permanent magnet layer 160 overlying (in this example illustration) second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298 and segments 351 of permanent magnet layer 161 underlying (in this example illustration) second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298.
  • Side view representation 346 provides a symbol representing side views of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296 and another symbol representing side views of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298.
  • Dielectric material 176 is included with the side views representing first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296, as well as second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298 to illustrate an out-of-plane location of segments 348, 350 of permanent magnet layer 160 and segments 349, 351 of permanent magnet layer 161 relative to magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298.
  • Each of first, second, third, and fourth pinned layers 318, 324, 330, 336 has a reference magnetization 352 oriented substantially parallel to X-Y plane 81. Furthermore, reference magnetization 352 is oriented in the same direction for each of first, second, third, and fourth pinned layers 318, 324, 330, 336. However, reference magnetization 352 is skewed away from each of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 by forty-five degrees. Thus, as shown in FIG. 9 and side view representation 346 of FIG. 10 , reference magnetization 352 is directed rightwardly on the page. However, as shown in top view representation 344 of FIG. 10 , reference magnetization 352 is skewed away from each of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46.
  • Each of sense layers 320, 326, 332, 338 of magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298 has an initial (i.e., self-biased) magnetic orientation, i.e. first sense magnetization 80 ( FIG. 3 ).
  • permanent magnet layers 160, 161 function cooperatively to magnetically bias first and third sense layers 320, 332 to produce a second sense magnetization 354.
  • permanent magnet layers 160, 161 function cooperatively to magnetically bias second and fourth sense layers 326, 338 to produce a third sense magnetization 356.
  • second sense magnetization 354 and third sense magnetization 356 are represented by dotted arrows.
  • first sense magnetization 354 and second sense magnetization 356 are skewed away from X-axis 44, Y-axis 46, and Z-axis 42.
  • second sense magnetization 354 is represented by a rightwardly and upwardly directed dotted arrow
  • third sense magnetization 356 is represented by a rightwardly and downwardly directed dotted arrow.
  • second sense magnetization 354 is represented by a rightwardly and upwardly directed dotted arrow.
  • third sense magnetization 356 is represented by a rightwardly and downwardly directed dotted arrow.
  • second and third sense magnetizations 354, 356 are orientable in response to Z magnetic field 30 in Z sensing direction 278.
  • second and third sense magnetizations 354, 356 the direction or orientation of the magnetization of segments 348, 350 of permanent magnet layer 160 and the orientation of the magnetization of segments 349, 351 is again skewed away from both of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 within X-Y plane 81 by an equivalent angular magnitude, e.g., forty-five degrees.
  • Magnetization direction 186 of segments 348, 349, 350, 351 of permanent magnet layers 160, 161 is again represented by a dashed line arrow 186 in top view representation 344.
  • magnetization direction 186 of segments 348, 350 of permanent magnet layer 160 and magnetization direction 186 of segments 349, 351 of permanent magnet layer 161 may be characterized by Miller indices 188 of [ 11 0] denoting that magnetization direction 186 is skewed in a negative direction away from both X- and Y-axes 44, 46 within X-Y plane 81 by the same angular magnitude.
  • the orientation, or direction, of reference magnetization 352 for first, second, third, and fourth pinned layers 318, 324, 330, 336 of magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 294, 296, 298 can be characterized by Miller indices of [110] denoting that reference magnetization 352 is also tilted away from X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 within X-Y plane 81 by the same angular magnitude.
  • second sense magnetization 354 is in a first out-of-plane orientation 353.
  • third sense magnetization 356 is in a second out-of-plane orientation 355.
  • first out-of-plane orientation 353 of second sense magnetization 354 can be characterized by Miller indices of [111] and second out-of-plane orientation 355 of third sense magnetization 356 can be characterized by Miller indices of [11 1 ].
  • FIG. 11 shows a table 358 of simplified plan views summarizing the function of the segments of the permanent magnet layer(s) for suitably biasing the sense layers of the magnetoresistive sense elements to achieve the three-axis sensing capability of the magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ).
  • a multiple axis magnetic field sensor that includes, for example, X-axis magnetic field sensor 56, Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58, and Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 the various magnetoresistive sense elements may be manufactured within the same buildup layers. It should be recalled from the discussion associated with FIG. 4 that if a linear gap is patterned or formed through a layer of permanent magnet material that is magnetized in a specific direction, the magnetic field within the gap will be normal to the direction of the gap.
  • magnetization direction 186 of permanent magnet layer 160 within X-Y plane 81 (and optionally permanent magnet layer 161 within X-Y plane 81) but skewed away from each of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 by, for example, forty-five degrees, and by suitably forming the various segments of permanent magnet layers 160, 161, a desired direction of the sense magnetization of the various sense layers for the magnetoresistive sense elements may be achieved.
  • a first plan view 360 demonstrates a linear gap 362 that is formed between segments 172, 174 of permanent magnet layer 160 associated with second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118.
  • a magnetic field 364 (denoted by block arrows) within linear gap 362 is normal to the direction of linear gap 362. Magnetic field 364 within gap 362 thus magnetically biases the initial sense magnetization, i.e., first sense magnetization 80 ( FIG. 3 ) of second and fourth sense layers 144, 156 of respective second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118 to produce second sense magnetization 184.
  • a second plan view 366 demonstrates a linear gap 368 that is formed between segments 266, 268 of permanent magnet layer 160 associated second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214.
  • a magnetic field 370 (denoted by block arrows) within linear gap 368 is normal to the direction of linear gap 368. Magnetic field 370 thus magnetically biases the initial sense magnetization, i.e., first sense magnetization 80 ( FIG. 3 ) of second and fourth sense layers 240, 252 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214 to produce second sense magnetization 276.
  • Table 358 additionally includes a third plan view 372 demonstrating a magnetic field 374 (denoted by circles inscribed by a dot to represent magnetic field 374 directed outwardly from the page) produced by segments 348 of permanent magnet layer 160 overlying (in this example illustration) first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296 and segments 349 of permanent magnet layer 161 underlying (in this example illustration) first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296 that function cooperatively to magnetically bias first sense magnetization 80 ( FIG. 3 ) of first and third sense layers 320, 332 of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296 to produce second sense magnetization 354.
  • a magnetic field 374 denoted by circles inscribed by a dot to represent magnetic field 374 directed outwardly from the page
  • table 358 includes a fourth plan view 376 demonstrating a magnetic field 378 (denoted by circles inscribed by an X to represent magnetic field 378 directed inwardly into the page) produced by segments 350 of permanent magnet layer 160 overlying (in this example illustration) second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298 and segments 351 of permanent magnet layer 161 underlying (in this example illustration) second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298 that function cooperatively to magnetically bias second and fourth sense layers 326, 338 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298 to produce third sense magnetization 356.
  • a magnetic field 378 denoted by circles inscribed by an X to represent magnetic field 378 directed inwardly into the page
  • one or more permanent magnet layers e.g., permanent magnet layers 160, 161, having single magnetization direction 186 that is within X-Y plane 81 but is skewed away from each of X-axis 44 and Y-axis 46 by the same angular magnitude, e.g., forty-five degrees, is useful in achieving the three-axis sensing capability of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ) while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
  • Z-axis sensing can be achieved without the use of flux guides.
  • FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a fabrication process 380 for manufacturing the magnetic field sensor of FIG. 2 .
  • Fabrication process 380 is described in connection with the fabrication of magnetic field sensor package 54 ( FIG. 2 ) having three sense axes (e.g., X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis magnetic field sensors 56, 58, 60).
  • fabrication process 380 may be readily adapted to produce a single or dual sense axis magnetic field sensor.
  • fabrication process 380 is exemplary in nature. Thus, only the primary operations of fabrication process 380 are discussed herein for simplicity. Furthermore, the process blocks depicted in FIG. 12 may be performed in parallel with each other or with performing other processes, and each process block will include many separate process steps. In addition, it is to be understood that the particular ordering of the process blocks depicted in FIG. 12 may be modified while achieving substantially the same result. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive subject matter.
  • a magnetic sensor wafer is built, i.e., fabricated, to produce a plurality of sensor bridges (e.g., X-axis Wheatstone bridge 102 of FIG. 5 , Y-axis Wheatstone bridge 198 of FIG. 7 , and Z-axis Wheatstone bridge 282 of FIG. 9 ).
  • Each of the sensors bridges are thus fabricated to include four sensor legs, with each sensor leg having one or more magnetoresistive sense elements, e.g., MTJ's.
  • the magnetoresistive sense elements can be fabricated so that the magnetoresistive sense elements are formed in a common plane (i.e., they are arranged in-plane) relative to one another within a dielectric material with suitable electrically conductive interconnections.
  • the initial orientation of sense magnetization, i.e., first sense magnetization 80, of the sense layers for each of the magnetoresistive sense elements is in a single in-plane direction that is skewed away from each of X-axis and Y-axis 46.
  • the sense layer of each magnetoresistive sense element may be fabricated to include a sense ferromagnetic layer and a non-magnetic layer. The specific structure of the sense layer is not illustrated herein for simplicity.
  • the sense ferromagnetic layer of the sense layer may include any one of Co, Fe, Ni, or an alloy comprising any one or a combination of these elements.
  • the non-magnetic layer may include any one of Pt, Pd, Ta, Hf, Nb, Cr, V, Cu, Au, Ti, Ag, Ru, W, or an alloy comprising any one or a combination of these elements.
  • the sense magnetization of the sense layer of each of the magnetoresistive sense elements may be suitably self-biased in the single in-plane direction to produce first sense magnetization 80 ( FIG. 3 ).
  • Other embodiments may employ shape anisotropy, or other existing and upcoming techniques for initially orienting (i.e., self-biasing) the sense magnetization (in the absence of an external magnetic field) parallel to X-Y plane 81.
  • one or more permanent magnet layers (e.g., permanent magnet layer 160 of FIGs. 5 , 7 , and 9 and permanent magnet layer 161 of FIG. 9 ) is suitably formed in order to magnetically bias the sense magnetization of the magnetoresistive sense elements of each of the Wheatstone bridges, in the absence of an external magnetic field.
  • Considerations for biasing the sense magnetization include selecting locations at which segments of the permanent magnet layer(s) will be positioned, a single out-of-plane spacing of the magnet segments from the magnetoresistive elements, a single thickness of the permanent magnet layer(s), and a single magnetic orientation. Formation of the permanent magnet layer(s) may entail deposition, patterning, and etching of a suitable material to form the magnet segments.
  • Such material may include iron, nickel, cobalt, some alloys of rare earth materials or an alloy comprising any one or a combination of these elements that is magnetized and creates its own persistent magnetic field.
  • the permanent magnet layer could be made directly from the material used for the pinned layer.
  • the permanent magnet layer(s) is formed from a magnetically "hard” material that is subjected to processing in a powerful magnetic field during manufacture to align its internal microcrystalline structure, so as to make it very difficult to demagnetize.
  • each magnetic field sensor may be programmed by setting the reference magnetization of the magnetoresistive sense elements in the predetermined direction in the X-Y plane of pinned layer.
  • a programming operation may be thermally assisted (e.g., a thermally assisted switching process) wherein the programming operation includes heating selected ones of the MTJ magnetoresistive sense elements to a high temperature threshold.
  • the magnetoresistive sense elements may include an antiferromagnetic layer (not shown) that pins the reference magnetization of the pinned layers at a low temperature threshold and frees the reference magnetization of the pinned layers at the high temperature threshold.
  • Heating the selected magnetoresistive sense elements at the high temperature threshold may be performed by passing a heating current in the selected magnetoresistive sense elements via a current line (not shown).
  • Other techniques may be implemented to provide localized heating, such as from a separate adjacent current line, by using a laser or other radiative source, and so forth.
  • the selected magnetoresistive sense elements can be cooled to the low temperature threshold to pin, or fix, the reference magnetization in the switched state.
  • Other embodiments may employ existing or upcoming techniques for pinning the reference magnetization to a desired magnetization orientation so as to achieve the multiple fixed orientations of the reference magnetization of the pinned layer of magnetoresistive sense elements.
  • fabrication of the magnetic sensor wafer continues with fabrication finalization processes such was wafer level testing, dicing, packaging, and the like. Thereafter, fabrication process 380 ends.
  • three different in-plane orientations of the reference magnetization may be set.
  • the single orientation of reference magnetizations 178, 180 ( FIG. 5 ) for X-axis magnetic field sensor 56, the single orientation of reference magnetizations 270, 272 ( FIG. 7 ) for Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58, and the single orientation of reference magnetization 352 for Z-axis magnetic field sensor 60 may be set.
  • five different orientations of the sense magnetization may be set.
  • the sense layers of all of the magnetoresistive sense elements are initially self-biased to have first sense magnetization 80.
  • sense layers 144, 156 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 114, 118 for X-axis magnetic field sensor 56 are magnetically biased by permanent magnet layer 160 to produce second sense magnetization 184 ( FIGs. 5-6 ) while first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 112, 116 retain first sense magnetization 80.
  • sense layers 240, 252 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 210, 214 for Y-axis magnetic field sensor 58 are magnetically biased by permanent magnet layer 160 to produce second sense magnetization 276 ( FIGs. 7-8 ) while first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 208, 212 retain first sense magnetization 80.
  • sense layers 320, 332 of first and third magnetoresistive sense elements 292, 296 are magnetically biased by permanent magnet layer 160/161 to produce second sense magnetization 354 and sense layers 326, 338 of second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements 294, 298 are magnetically biased by permanent magnet layer 160/161 to produce third sense magnetization 356.
  • embodiments disclosed herein entail a magnetic field sensor capable of sensing magnetic fields along one or more mutually exclusive sense axes, typically referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.
  • An embodiment of a magnetic field sensor comprises magnetic field sensor comprises a sensor bridge having a first leg and a second leg for sensing an external magnetic field along a sensing direction.
  • a first magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the first leg and is located in a plane of the magnetic field sensor, the first magnetoresistive sense element including a first pinned layer and a first sense layer.
  • a second magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the second leg and is located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor, the second magnetoresistive sense element including a second pinned layer and a second sense layer.
  • the first and second pinned layers have a reference magnetization, and each of the first and second sense layers are initially characterized by a first sense magnetization, the first sense magnetization being oriented in a first direction.
  • a permanent magnet layer is proximate the second magnetoresistive sense element, wherein in the absence of the external magnetic field, the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the first sense magnetization of the second sense layer to produce a second sense magnetization of the second sense layer, the second sense magnetization being oriented in a second direction that differs from the first direction of the first sense magnetization, and the first sense layer of the first magnetoresistive sense element retaining the first sense magnetization.
  • the reference magnetization of each of the first and second pinned layers is oriented in the same direction substantially parallel to the plane.
  • the first direction of the first sense magnetization in a first in-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the second direction of the second sense magnetization is in a second in-plane orientation relative to the plane.
  • the first direction of the first sense magnetization is a first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • the h, k, and 1 are Miller indices, in which "h" and "k” are non-zero, "1" is zero, and ⁇ hkl> represents a family of directions.
  • the second direction of the second sense magnetization is a second ⁇ hkl> direction relative to the first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • One of the "h” and “k” of the second ⁇ hkl> direction is a negative value of a corresponding one of the "h” and “k” of the first ⁇ hkl> direction, and "1" of the second ⁇ hkl> direction is zero.
  • the plane of the magnetic field sensor is characterized by a first axis and a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis, and the sensing direction is parallel to one of the first and second axes.
  • the permanent magnet layer is characterized by a single magnetic orientation.
  • the plane of the magnetic field sensor is defined by a first axis and a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis, and the single magnetic orientation is substantially parallel to the plane of the magnetic field sensor and is tilted away from each of the first and second axes within the plane by an equivalent angular magnitude.
  • the sensor bridge is a first sensor bridge, the sensing direction is a first sensing direction substantially parallel to the plane of the magnetic field sensor, the reference magnetization is a first reference magnetization.
  • the magnetic field sensor further comprises a second sensor bridge, a third magnetoresistive sense element and a fourth magnetoresistive sense element.
  • the second sensor bridge has a third leg and a fourth leg for sensing the external magnetic field along a second sensing direction oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane.
  • the third magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the third leg and located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor.
  • the third magnetoresistive sense element includes a third pinned layer and a third sense layer.
  • the fourth magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the fourth leg and located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor.
  • the fourth magnetoresistive sense element includes a fourth pinned layer and a fourth sense layer.
  • the third and fourth pinned layers have a second reference magnetization.
  • Each of the third and fourth sense layers initially is characterized by the first sense magnetization oriented in the first direction.
  • the permanent magnet layer is positioned proximate the third and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements. In the absence of the external magnetic field, the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the first sense magnetization of the third sense layer to produce a third sense magnetization of the third sense layer that is oriented in a third direction that differs from the first direction, and the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the first sense magnetization of the fourth sense layer to produce a fourth sense magnetization of the fourth sense layer that is oriented in a fourth direction that differs from the first direction.
  • the first direction of the first sense magnetization is in a first in-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the second direction of the second sense magnetization is in a second in-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the third direction of the third sense magnetization is in a first out-of-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the fourth direction of the fourth sense magnetization is in a second out-of-plane orientation relative to the plane.
  • the third direction of the third sense magnetization is tilted above the plane of the magnetic field sensor by a first angular magnitude
  • the fourth direction of the fourth sense magnetization is tilted below the plane of the magnetic field sensor by a second angular magnitude that is equivalent to the first angular magnitude.
  • each of the third and fourth directions of the third and fourth sense magnetizations is non-perpendicular to the plane of the magnetic field sensor.
  • the third direction of the third sense magnetization is a first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • the h, k, and 1 are Miller indices, in which "h" and “k” and “1" are non-zero, and ⁇ hkl> represents a family of directions.
  • the fourth direction of the fourth sense magnetization is a second ⁇ hkl> direction relative to the first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • the "h” and “k” of the second ⁇ hkl> direction is the same as “h” and “k” of first ⁇ hkl> direction, and "1" of the second ⁇ hkl> direction is a negative value of "1" of the first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • a magnetic field sensor comprises a first sensor bridge having a first leg and a second leg for sensing an external magnetic field along a first sensing direction.
  • a first magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the first leg and is located in a plane of the magnetic field sensor, the first magnetoresistive sense element including a first pinned layer and a first sense layer.
  • a second magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the second leg and is located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor, the second magnetoresistive sense element including a second pinned layer and a second sense layer, the first and second pinned layers having a first reference magnetization.
  • the magnetic field sensor further comprises a second sensor bridge having a third leg and a fourth leg for sensing an external magnetic field along a second sensing direction.
  • a third magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the third leg and is located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor, the third magnetoresistive sense element including a third pinned layer and a third sense layer.
  • a fourth magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the fourth leg and is located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor, the fourth magnetoresistive sense element including a fourth pinned layer and a fourth sense layer, the third and fourth pinned layers having a second reference magnetization, and each of the first, second, third, and fourth sense layers initially being characterized by a first sense magnetization, the first sense magnetization being oriented in a first direction.
  • a permanent magnet layer is proximate the second and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements, wherein in the absence of the external magnetic field the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the first sense magnetization of the second sense layer to produce a second sense magnetization of the second sense layer, the second sense magnetization being oriented in a second direction that differs from the first direction, the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the first sense magnetization of the fourth sense layer to produce a third sense magnetization of the fourth sense layer, the third sense magnetization being oriented in a third direction that differs from the first and second directions, the first sense layer of the first magnetoresistive sense element retains the first sense magnetization, and the third sense layer of the third magnetoresistive sense element retains the first sense magnetization.
  • the plane of the magnetic field sensor is defined by a first axis and a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis
  • the permanent magnet layer is characterized by a single magnetic orientation that is oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the magnetic field sensor and is tilted away from each of the first and second axes within the plane by an equivalent angular magnitude.
  • the first direction of the first sense magnetization is in a first in-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the second direction of the second sense magnetization is in a second in-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the third direction of the third sense magnetization is in a third in-plane orientation relative to the plane.
  • the first direction of the first sense magnetization is a first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • the h, k, and 1 are Miller indices, ⁇ hkl> represents a family of directions.
  • the first ⁇ hkl> direction of the first and third sense magnetizations of the first and third magnetoresistive sense elements is characterized by the Miller indices of [110].
  • the second direction of the second sense magnetization is a second ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • the second ⁇ hkl> direction of the second sense magnetization of the second magnetoresistive sense element is characterized by the Miller indices of [ 1 10].
  • the third direction of the third sense magnetization is a third ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • the third ⁇ hkl> direction of the fourth sense magnetization of the fourth magnetoresistive sense element is characterized by the Miller indices of [1 1 0].
  • a magnetic field sensor comprises a first sensor bridge having a first leg and a second leg for sensing an external magnetic field along a sensing direction oriented substantially parallel to a plane of the magnetic field sensor.
  • a first magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the first leg and is located in a plane of the magnetic field sensor, the first magnetoresistive sense element including a first pinned layer and a first sense layer.
  • a second magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the second leg and is located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor, the second magnetoresistive sense element including a second pinned layer and a second sense layer, the first and second pinned layers having a first reference magnetization.
  • the magnetic field sensor further comprises a second sensor bridge having a third leg and a fourth leg for sensing the external magnetic field along a second sensing direction oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane.
  • a third magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the third leg and is located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor, the third magnetoresistive sense element including a third pinned layer and a third sense layer.
  • a fourth magnetoresistive sense element is formed in the fourth leg and is located in the plane of the magnetic field sensor, the fourth magnetoresistive sense element including a fourth pinned layer and a fourth sense layer, the third and fourth pinned layers having a second reference magnetization, and each of the first, second, third, and fourth sense layers initially being characterized by a first sense magnetization, the first sense magnetization being oriented in a first direction.
  • a permanent magnet layer is positioned proximate the second, third, and fourth magnetoresistive sense elements, the permanent magnet layer being characterized by a single magnetic orientation, wherein in the absence of the external magnetic field the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the first sense magnetization of the second sense layer to produce a second sense magnetization of the second sense layer, the second sense magnetization being oriented in a second direction that differs from the first direction of the first sense magnetization, and the first sense layer of the first magnetoresistive sense element retains the first sense magnetization, the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the first sense magnetization of the third sense layer to produce a third sense magnetization of the third sense layer that is oriented in a third direction that differs from the first direction, and the permanent magnet layer magnetically biases the first sense magnetization of the fourth sense layer to produce a fourth sense magnetization of the fourth sense layer that is oriented in a fourth direction that differs from the first direction.
  • the first direction of the first sense magnetization is in a first in-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the second direction of the second sense magnetization is in a second in-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the third direction of the third sense magnetization is in a first out-of-plane orientation relative to the plane
  • the fourth direction of the fourth sense magnetization is in a second out-of-plane orientation relative to the plane.
  • the third direction of the third sense magnetization is tilted above the plane of the magnetic field sensor by a first angular magnitude.
  • the fourth direction of the fourth sense magnetization is tilted below the plane of the magnetic field sensor by a second angular magnitude that is equivalent to the first angular magnitude.
  • the first direction of the first sense magnetization is a first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • the h, k, and 1 are Miller indices, ⁇ hkl> represents a family of directions, the first ⁇ hkl> direction being characterized by the Miller indices of [110].
  • the second direction of the second sense magnetization is a second ⁇ hkl> direction relative to the first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • One of the “h” and “k” of the second ⁇ hkl> direction is a negative value of a corresponding one of the "h” and “k” of the first ⁇ hkl> direction, and "1" of the second ⁇ hkl> direction is zero.
  • the second sense magnetization of the second magnetoresistive sense element is characterized by the Miller indices of [ 1 10] or [1 1 0].
  • a unique sensor bridge design of magnetoresistive sense elements is implemented for each sense axis.
  • Each sensor bridge incorporates an in-plane orientation of reference magnetization of the pinned layer.
  • one or more permanent magnet layers are strategically patterned (shape and position) to generate a unique external bias field vector of the sense magnetization of the sense layer to produce a balanced bridge configuration of magnetoresistive sense elements for the sensor bridge.
  • one sensor bridge design is utilized for sensing an external magnetic field that is perpendicular to the plane of the magnetic field sensor package without the use of flux concentrators.
  • the strategically patterned permanent magnet layer(s) for this sensor bridge additionally allows it to respond to the out-of-plane external magnetic field without inter-axis coupling of sensor response.
  • the fourth direction of the fourth sense magnetization is tilted below the plane of the magnetic field sensor by a second angular magnitude that is equivalent to the first angular magnitude.
  • Each of the third and fourth directions of the third and fourth sense magnetizations is non-perpendicular to the plane of the magnetic field sensor.
  • the first direction of the first sense magnetization is a first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • the h, k, and 1 are Miller indices, ⁇ hkl> represents a family of directions, the first ⁇ hkl> direction being characterized by the Miller indices of [110].
  • the second direction of the second sense magnetization is a second ⁇ hkl> direction relative to the first ⁇ hkl> direction.
  • One of the “h” and “k” of the second ⁇ hkl> direction is a negative value of a corresponding one of the "h” and “k” of the first ⁇ hkl> direction, and "l" of the second ⁇ hkl> direction is zero.
  • the second sense magnetization of the second magnetoresistive sense element is characterized by the Miller indices of [ 1 10] or [1 1 0].
  • a unique sensor bridge design of magnetoresistive sense elements is implemented for each sense axis.
  • Each sensor bridge incorporates an in-plane orientation of reference magnetization of the pinned layer.
  • one or more permanent magnet layers are strategically patterned (shape and position) to generate a unique external bias field vector of the sense magnetization of the sense layer to produce a balanced bridge configuration of magnetoresistive sense elements for the sensor bridge.
  • one sensor bridge design is utilized for sensing an external magnetic field that is perpendicular to the plane of the magnetic field sensor package without the use of flux concentrators.
  • the strategically patterned permanent magnet layer(s) for this sensor bridge additionally allows it to respond to the out-of-plane external magnetic field without inter-axis coupling of sensor response.

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Claims (12)

  1. Ein Magnetfeld Sensor, aufweisend:
    eine Sensorbrücke (102, 198, 282), welche einen ersten Strang (104, 200, 284) und einen zweiten Strang (106, 202, 286) hat, zum Abtasten eines externen Magnetfeldes entlang einer Abtastrichtung (96, 194, 278);
    ein erstes magnetoresistives Abtastelement (112, 208, 292), welches ausgebildet ist in dem ersten Strang (104, 200, 284) und lokalisiert ist in einer Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor,
    wobei das erste magnetoresistive Abtastelement (112, 208, 292) umfasst eine erste angeheftete Schicht (136, 232, 318) und eine erste Abtastschicht (138, 234, 320);
    ein zweites magnetoresistives Abtastelement (114, 210, 294), welches ausgebildet ist in dem zweiten Strang (106, 202, 286) und lokalisier ist in der Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor,
    wobei das zweite magnetoresistive Abtastelement (114, 210, 294) umfasst eine zweite angeheftete Schicht (142, 238, 324) und eine zweite Abtastschicht (144, 240, 326),
    wobei die erste und zweite angeheftete Schicht (112, 208, 292; 142, 238, 324) eine Referenzmagnetisierung haben und
    wobei jede von der ersten und zweiten Abtastschicht (138, 234, 320; 144, 240, 326) initial gekennzeichnet ist durch eine erste Abtastmagnetisierung,
    wobei die erste Abtastmagnetisierung orientiert ist in einer ersten Richtung; und
    eine Permanentmagnet Schicht (160, 161), welche nahegelegen ist dem zweiten magnetoresistiven Abtastelement (114, 210, 294),
    wobei in der Abwesenheit von dem externen Magnetfeld die Permanentmagnet Schicht (160, 161) magnetisch vorpolt die erste Abtastmagnetisierung von der zweiten Abtastschicht (144, 240, 326) zum Produzieren einer zweiten Abtastmagnetisierung von der zweiten Abtastschicht (144, 240, 326),
    wobei die zweite Abtastmagnetisierung orientiert ist in einer zweiten Richtung, welche abweicht von der ersten Richtung von der ersten Abtastmagnetisierung,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    die erste Abtastschicht (138, 234, 320) von dem ersten magnetoresistiven Abtastelement (112, 208, 292) beibehält die erste Abtastmagnetisierung;
    die erste Richtung von der ersten Abtastmagnetisierung eine erste <hkl> Richtung ist,
    wobei h, k und l Miller'sche Indizes sind, in welchen "h" und "k" nicht Null sind, "l" Null ist und <hkl> eine Familie von Richtungen repräsentiert; und
    die zweite Richtung von der zweiten Abtastmagnetisierung eine zweite <hkl> Richtung ist relativ zu der ersten <hkl> Richtung,
    wobei einer von dem "h" und "k" von der <hkl> Richtung ein negativer Wert ist von einem korrespondierenden einen von dem "h" und "k" von der ersten <hkl> Richtung und "l" von der zweiten <hkl> Richtung null ist.
  2. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß Anspruch 1,
    wobei die Referenzmagnetisierung von jeder von der ersten und zweiten angehefteten Schicht (112, 208, 292; 142, 238, 324) orientiert ist in dieselbe Richtung im Wesentlichen parallel zu der Ebene.
  3. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2,
    wobei in der Abwesenheit von dem externen Magnetfeld
    die erste Richtung von der ersten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer ersten auf-gleicher-Ebenen Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene und
    die zweite Richtung von der zweiten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer zweiten auf-gleicher-Ebene Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene.
  4. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei
    die Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor gekennzeichnet ist durch eine erste Achse und eine zweiten Achse, welche orthogonal ist zu der ersten Achse, und
    die Abtastrichtung (96, 194, 278) parallel ist zu einer von der ersten und zweiten Achse.
  5. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4,
    wobei die Permanentmagnet Schicht gekennzeichnet ist durch eine einzelne magnetische Orientierung, wobei
    die Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor definiert ist mittels einer ersten Achse und einer zweiten Achse, welche orthogonal ist zu der ersten Achse, und
    die einzelne magnetische Orientierung im Wesentlichen parallel ist zu der Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor und geneigt ist weg von jeder von der ersten und zweiten Achse innerhalb der Ebene mit einer äquivalenten winkligen Größe.
  6. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei
    die Sensorbrücke (102, 198, 282) eine erste Sensorbrücke ist, die Abtastrichtung (96, 194, 278) eine erste Abtastrichtung ist, welche im Wesentlichen parallel ist zu der Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor, die Referenzmagnetisierung eine erste Referenzmagnetisierung ist, und der Magnetfeld Sensor ferner aufweist:
    eine zweite Sensorbrücke (102, 198, 282), welche einen dritten Strang (108, 204, 288) und einen vierten Strang (110, 206, 290) hat, zum Abtasten des externen Magnetfeldes entlang einer zweiten Abtastrichtung (96, 194, 278), welche orientiert ist im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Ebene;
    ein drittes magnetoresistives Abtastelement (116, 212, 296), welches ausgebildet ist in dem dritten Strang (108, 204, 288) und lokalisiert ist in der Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor,
    wobei das magnetoresistive Abtastelement (116, 212, 296) umfasst eine dritte angeheftete Schicht (148, 244, 330) und eine dritte Abtastschicht (150, 246, 332);
    ein viertes magnetoresistives Abtastelement (118, 214, 298), welches ausgebildet ist in dem vierten Strang (110, 206, 290) und lokalisiert ist in der Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor,
    wobei das vierte magnetoresistive Abtastelement (118, 214, 298) umfasst eine vierte angeheftete Schicht (154, 250, 336) und eine vierte Abtastschicht (156, 252, 338),
    wobei die dritte und vierte angeheftete Schicht (148, 224, 330; 154, 250, 336) eine zweite Referenzmagnetisierung haben, und
    wobei jede von der dritten und vierten Abtastschicht (150, 246, 332; 156, 252, 338) initial gekennzeichnet ist durch die erste Abtastmagnetisierung, welche orientiert ist in der ersten Richtung; und
    die Permanentmagnet Schicht (160, 161), welche positioniert ist nahegelegen dem dritten und vierten magnetoresistiven Abtastelement (116, 212, 296; 118, 214, 298),
    wobei in der Abwesenheit von dem externen Magnetfeld die Permanentmagnet Schicht (160, 161) magnetisch vorpolt die erste Abtastmagnetisierung von der dritten Abtastschicht (150, 246, 332) zum Produzieren einer dritten Abtastmagnetisierung von der dritten Abtastschicht (150, 246, 332), welche orientiert ist in einer dritten Richtung, welche abweicht von der ersten Richtung, und die Permanentmagnet Schicht (160, 161) magnetisch vorpolt die erste Abtastmagnetisierung von der vierten Abtastschicht (156, 252, 338) zum Produzieren einer vierten Abtastmagnetisierung von der vierten Abtastschicht (156, 252, 338), welche orientiert ist in einer vierten Richtung, welche abweicht von der ersten Richtung.
  7. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei in der Abwesenheit von dem externen Magnetfeld
    die erste Richtung von der ersten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer ersten auf-gleicher-Ebene Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene,
    die zweite Richtung von der zweiten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer zweiten aufselber-Ebene Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene,
    die dritte Richtung von der dritten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer ersten außerhalb-der-Ebene Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene, und
    die vierte Richtung von der vierten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer zweiten außerhalbder-Ebene Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene.
  8. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß Anspruch 6 oder Anspruch 7, wobei:
    die dritte Richtung von der dritten Abtastmagnetisierung geneigt ist oberhalb der Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor mit einer ersten winkligen Größe; und
    die vierte Richtung von der vierten Abtastmagnetisierung geneigt ist unterhalb der Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor mit einer zweiten winkligen Größe, welche äquivalent ist zu der ersten winkligen Größe.
  9. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8,
    wobei jede von der dritten und vierten Richtung von der dritten und vierten Abtastmagnetisierung nicht-senkrecht ist zu der Ebene von dem Magnetfeld Sensor.
  10. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß irgendeinem der Ansprüche 6 bis 9, wobei:
    die dritte Richtung von der dritten Abtastmagnetisierung eine erste <hkl> Richtung ist, wobei h, k und l Miller'sche Indizes sind, in welchen "h" und "k" und "l" nicht Null sind und <hkl> eine Familie von Richtungen repräsentiert; und
    die vierte Richtung von der vierten Abtastmagnetisierung eine zweite <hkl> Richtung ist relativ zu der ersten <hkl> Richtung, wobei "h" und "k" von der zweiten <hkl> Richtung dieselben "h" und "k" von erster <hkl> Richtung sind und "l" von der zweiten <hkl> Richtung ein negativer Wert ist von "l" von der ersten <hkl> Richtung.
  11. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei in der Abwesenheit von dem externen Magnetfeld
    die erste Richtung von der ersten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer auf-gleicher-Ebene Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene,
    die zweite Richtung von der zweiten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer zweiten auf-gleicher-Ebene Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene, und
    die dritte Richtung von der dritten Abtastmagnetisierung in einer dritten auf-gleicher-Ebene Orientierung ist relativ zu der Ebene.
  12. Der Magnetfeld Sensor gemäß Anspruch 6 oder Anspruch 11, wobei:
    die erste Richtung von der ersten Abtastmagnetisierung eine erste <hkl> Richtung ist,
    wobei h, k und l Miller'sche Indizes sind,
    wobei <hkl> eine Familie von Richtungen repräsentiert,
    wobei die erste <hkl> Richtung von der ersten und dritten Abtastmagnetisierung von dem ersten und dritten magnetoresistiven Abtastelement (112, 208, 292; 116, 212, 296) gekennzeichnet ist durch die Miller'schen Indizes von [110];
    die zweite Richtung von der zweiten Abtastmagnetisierung eine zweite <hkl> Richtung ist,
    wobei die zweite <hkl> Richtung von der zweiten Abtastmagnetisierung von dem zweiten magnetoresistiven Abtastelement (114, 210, 294) gekennzeichnet ist durch die Miller'schen Indizes von [110]; und
    die dritte Richtung von der dritten Abtastmagnetisierung eine dritte <hkl> Richtung ist,
    wobei die dritte <hkl> Richtung von der vierten Abtastmagnetisierung von dem vierten magnetoresistiven Abtastelement (118, 214, 298) gekennzeichnet ist durch die Miller'schen Indizes von [110].
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